Belgium, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) Germany has announced plans to impose restrictions on travel from China, in line with EU recommendations.
German Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach noted that coronavirus testing will be compulsory for arrivals from China due to a rise of infections there, according to DW reporting on Thursday.
He stressed that “at least a rapid test” will be required to enter Germany from China and added that authorities will randomly test some arrivals “to recognise virus variants.”
The EU recommended on Wednesday that bloc members impose travel restrictions, but left the decisions to national governments.
EU member states tried to strike a deal on a binding bloc-wide policy, but failed and instead came forward with a suggestion.
Lauterbach expressed belief that EU’s recommendation was a good decision and pointed out “on this basis we are now also changing German entry rules at short notice.”
Mike Ryan, World Health Organization (WHO)’s Health Emergencies Programme head, warned earlier this week that China could be under-reporting the number of COVID-19-related hospitalisations and deaths.
China’s response
Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on Thursday that the “epidemic situation is controllable” and called on the WHO to “uphold a scientific, objective and impartial decision.”
Besides Germany, EU member states that announced restrictions on travel from China include Belgium, France, Italy, Spain and Sweden.
The US announced plans to introduce mandatory testing for arrivals from China, with US President Joe Biden noting “they’re very sensitive… when we suggest they haven’t been that forthcoming” on coronavirus figures.
The UK also announced testing will be required for arrivals from China, as did India, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan and the Philippines.
Also on Thursday, the German Embassy in Beijing noted that it received the first shipment of German-developed vaccines and expressed hope that they will be administered “as soon as possible.”
China allowed German citizens there to receive German-developed vaccines, noting that approximately 20,000 Germans reside in the country.
Chinese health authorities have not approved vaccines developed in the West for use in the country and Chinese vaccines are largely not approved in the West, but both sides accept each other’s proof of vaccination for travellers.
